Combination Therapy Using Radiofrequency Microneedling and Corticosteroids for Hypertrophic Scars: A Case Report

Dysregulated scar formation can cause hypertrophic scarring, a difficult entity to treat. Although fractionated lasers are a popular therapy for hypertrophic scars, laser-induced epidermal damage might cause pigmentary changes in individuals with darker skin tones. Radiofrequency microneedling delivers ablative energy directly to the dermis and is safe for use in such patients. We present a case of hypertrophic scarring in a patient with Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV treated with a combination of radiofrequency microneedling, topical and intralesional corticosteroids, and intralesional onabotulinumtoxinA. Three weeks posttreatment, scars were significantly improved in both color and texture. The patient did not report any side effects. Based on these results, this novel combination therapy appears to be a promising treatment modality for hypertrophic scars in patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV to VI. However, further large-scale studies will need to be completed to determine long-term efficacy and possible adverse events.